Citation

Khurana A, Bleakley A, Ellithorpe ME, Hennessy M, Jamieson PE, Weitz I. Prev. Sci. 2019; 20(5): 776-787.

Affiliation

Annenberg Public Policy Center, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2019, Holtzbrinck Springer Nature Publishing Group)

DOI

10.1007/s11121-019-0984-z

PMID

30659453

Abstract

Media exposure to risky behaviors (e.g., alcohol use, violence) has been associated with adolescent engagement in risk-taking behaviors, but not all adolescents are equally at risk. Here we focus on individual differences in impulsivity and sensation seeking and assess their effects on the relation between media risk exposure and adolescent risk behavior. Survey data from 1990 Black and White US adolescents (mean age = 15.6 ± 1.10 years; 48% female) and content analysis of top-grossing films and popular TV shows were analyzed using linear regression models. High levels of impulsivity and sensation seeking were associated with greater exposure to risky media content, and also operated as moderators, exacerbating the impact of media risk exposure on adolescent risk behaviors. Prevention efforts targeting negative effects of media on adolescent health should prioritize youth with high levels of impulsivity and sensation seeking.

Language: en

Keywords

Adolescent risk behaviors; Impulsivity; Media effects; Sensation seeking